Category: News Flash

Just over a year ago, the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) looked at the growing need for housing assistance among youth aging out of foster care.  To address the need, PCHA’s Board of Commissioners established an admission preference for this special group of youth in the agency’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.  The HCV program assists in making housing affordable.  Adding to the housing benefit, participating youth can take advantage of PCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program.  “Case management and the coordination of existing services and resources for FSS participants helps provide participating youth the guidance they need as they go out on their own” said Regina Booker, PCHA’s Director of Resident Services and Programs.  FSS participants are provided assistance in establishing goals for education, training and employment, as well as in determining the steps necessary to achieve those goals, and in setting a timeline for their accomplishments.  A built in escrow account provision allows participants to save money as their incomes increase due to employment. On-going case management provides support and stability.